Ancient Meets Contemporary In Italy (Seniors Only)
Dates: 4/5-4/14
Location: International
Price Range: $6,000-6,200
Theme: Culture & History
Faculty Contact: Langer, Alex
“Italy is known around the world for its influential history, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and beyond. Over centuries, this nation has shaped Western culture, identity, and values across continents. Visiting Italy allows us to explore how ancient art, literature, and philosophy continue to shape contemporary Italy (and the rest of the globe). Why are so many of this country’s historic sites still significant today? How does the way we study and retell history influence our understanding of the world we live in now? And how does that understanding shift based on who is telling the story?
This will be a walking-intensive trip that explores incredible urban and rural areas of Italy. Whether exploring the ancient streets of Pompeii or the modern streets of Florence, students should expect to spend much of this trip on their feet. Rome has a subway system, while Florence favors walking, and in both places, we travel over cobblestones and ancient streets. We will be enjoying the fantastic culinary delights of Italy–from pizza to gelato–during breaks between our engaged activities and visits to archaeological wonders across the country.
Possible Itinerary to include the following:
Sunday – April 6th, 2025
Paestum (Night 1 of 2)
Check into our hotel and Program Orientation
Monday – April 7th, 2025
Paestum (2 of 2)
Buffalo Milk + Mozzarella Farm Introduction
Archaeological Site of Paestum Guided Visit
Tuesday – April 8th, 2025
Rome (Night 1 of 3)
Bus Travel to Rome
Pompeii Guided Visit and Rome Historical Overview (staying near Piazza Navona)
Wednesday – April 9th, 2025
Rome (2 of 3)
Tour of the Colosseum and the Ancient Roman Forum
Tour of the Basilica di San Clemente and the Mithraeum beneath
Metro ride to the Piazza di Spagna and independent exploration
Thursday – April 10th, 2025
Rome (3 of 3)
Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Visit
Independent Exploration/opportunities for the Ara Pacis or the Castel Sant’Angelo
Friday – April 11th, 2025
Florence (Night 1 of 3)
Take a Trenitalia Frecciarossa from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella
Arrive in Florence for check-in, exploration, and dinner.
Saturday – April 12th, 2025
Florence (2 of 3)
Florence Cathedral Visits with Duomo and Cupola Access. (This could also be optional, as it is a tough climb for the view. Students could choose it or the watchtower, or the lookout at Piazza Michaelangelo).
Enjoy food (gelato!) and other cultural highlights of Florence
Sunday – April 13th, 2025
Florence (3 of 3)
Academia Gallery Visit
Florence Market Lunch and Final Program Reflection
Monday – April 14th, 2025
Program Finishes
Flight Departs
Special Note
There is also very little shade, and though we will be there in April and not in July, the sun will still be a factor. We will be staying in European-style hotels with double or triple occupancy.